Missionary work lies at the very heart of Christianity and fulfills the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, where He commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This divine mandate is not just a call for evangelism but an urgent command to take the message of salvation to every corner of the world. Similarly, in Mark 16:15, Jesus exhorts, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” These verses underscore the global and inclusive nature of Christian missions.
Africa has long been a significant focus of missionary work. Historically, missionaries have journeyed to remote regions of the continent, braving dangerous conditions, to spread the gospel. Their efforts have left an enduring spiritual legacy. But missionary work is not just about evangelism—it is also about empowering churches to become mission-minded. A mission-conscious church sends, supports, and sustains missionaries, ensuring that the Holy Spirit’s work continues to move forward. Churches that prioritize missions experience spiritual vitality and renewal, as they align themselves with God’s ultimate plan to redeem all nations.
Being a missionary is also one of the most blessed callings in the Christian faith. As Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Missionaries experience the joy of seeing lives transformed by the power of the gospel and the privilege of partnering with God to expand His kingdom. Through their work, entire communities are brought into the light of Christ.
This article highlights three missionary movements that have had an extraordinary impact on Africa: the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), the Azusa Street Revival, and the Basel Mission. Each of these movements has not only transformed lives but also cultivated a mission consciousness that continues to shape the church in Africa. These movements teach us that the church thrives when it goes beyond its walls, sending missionaries to fulfill the Great Commission and keeping the Holy Spirit’s fire burning in every generation.
1. The United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC)
One of the most dynamic missionary movements in Africa today is the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), founded by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. The UD-OLGC is a mission-driven church network that has planted thousands of churches across Africa and beyond. Rooted in the Great Commission, the UD-OLGC emphasizes soul-winning, church planting, and leadership training as the core of its mission.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ passion for missions is evident in his teachings, books, and the annual Give Thyself Wholly conferences, which equip pastors and leaders to fulfill their calling. The UD-OLGC trains and sends missionaries to the most remote parts of Africa and other continents, demonstrating a commitment to taking the gospel “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This mission consciousness is embedded in the DNA of the denomination, with every church encouraged to raise and send missionaries.
The effects of the UD-OLGC’s missionary efforts have been extraordinary. Thousands of unreached communities across Africa have been introduced to the gospel. Churches have been planted in villages, towns, and cities where there was previously little or no Christian presence. Many lives have been transformed, with testimonies of healing, deliverance, and salvation becoming commonplace.
Furthermore, the movement has inspired mission consciousness within its members. Congregants are encouraged to support missions financially and through prayer, creating a vibrant culture of sending and going. Bishop Dag’s books, such as The Art of Leadership and The Art of Shepherding, have become essential tools for missionaries, offering practical and spiritual insights for effective ministry.
The UD-OLGC continues to lead the way in modern missions, demonstrating that sending missionaries keeps the Holy Spirit actively moving within the church. Churches that prioritize missions often experience revival, growth, and a renewed focus on the gospel.
2. The Azusa Street Revival
The Azusa Street Revival, which began in Los Angeles in 1906, is widely regarded as the birth of the modern Pentecostal movement. Under the leadership of William J. Seymour, a humble African American preacher, the revival sparked an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that transformed lives and birthed missionary movements around the world, including in Africa.
At its core, the Azusa Street Revival was a fulfillment of Acts 2:17, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. People from different races, nations, and denominations were drawn to the revival, experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit through speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and other spiritual gifts. The revival’s emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s power for evangelism ignited a passion for missions that spread like wildfire.
The effects of the Azusa Street Revival on Africa were monumental. Pentecostalism spread rapidly across the continent, with African leaders embracing the message of the Holy Spirit and carrying it into their communities. Movements such as the Apostolic Faith Mission in South Africa and the Church of Pentecost in Ghana trace their roots to the revival’s influence. These churches have grown to become some of the largest Pentecostal denominations in Africa, with millions of members and missionaries serving worldwide.
Mission consciousness became a defining feature of Pentecostal churches influenced by Azusa. The emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for witnessing (Acts 1:8) fueled an aggressive missionary agenda. Pentecostal missionaries traveled to rural villages, urban centers, and remote regions, bringing the gospel and planting churches. The revival also inspired indigenous African missionaries, who were uniquely positioned to reach their people and cultures effectively.
The Azusa Street Revival demonstrated the importance of keeping the Holy Spirit at the center of missions. Churches that prioritize the Spirit’s leading experience supernatural growth, boldness, and miracles in their missionary work. Today, its legacy continues to inspire mission-focused churches across Africa, reminding us that the Holy Spirit is the driving force behind the Great Commission.
3. The Basel Mission
The Basel Mission, established in 1815 in Switzerland, is one of the earliest and most influential missionary movements in Africa. Originally founded to train and send missionaries to India, the Basel Mission expanded its focus to include West Africa, particularly Ghana (then known as the Gold Coast). The mission’s work in Africa was guided by a strong sense of obedience to the Great Commission and a commitment to holistic ministry.
The Basel Mission prioritized both evangelism and social development. Missionaries not only preached the gospel but also established schools, hospitals, and vocational training centers. They believed in addressing the spiritual and physical needs of the people they served, exemplifying the love of Christ through practical acts of service. The mission’s emphasis on education led to the establishment of some of the earliest schools in Ghana, which produced educated leaders who later played key roles in the country’s development.
One of the Basel Mission’s most significant contributions was its promotion of local leadership. Unlike some missionary movements of the time, the Basel Mission focused on training African leaders to take ownership of the church. This approach laid the foundation for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, which remains one of the largest denominations in the country today.
The mission consciousness of the Basel Mission was evident in its commitment to sending missionaries to unreached regions, despite the challenges of the time. Missionaries faced significant hardships, including tropical diseases that claimed many lives. Yet, their sacrifices bore fruit, as entire communities were transformed by the gospel.
The Basel Mission also emphasized the importance of creating sustainable Christian communities. By integrating faith with education, healthcare, and economic development, the mission ensured that the impact of the gospel would be long-lasting. Their legacy in Africa serves as a powerful reminder of the blessings of being a missionary and the impact of holistic ministry.
Conclusion
Missionary work is one of the greatest expressions of obedience to Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15. It fulfills the Great Commission and demonstrates the heart of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Through missionary movements like the UD-OLGC, the Azusa Street Revival, and the Basel Mission, the gospel has reached millions in Africa, transforming lives and building a legacy of faith.
The UD-OLGC inspires us with its relentless focus on soul-winning and church planting, showing the importance of keeping mission consciousness alive in the church. The Azusa Street Revival reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit in driving missionary work, and empowering believers to carry the gospel with boldness. The Basel Mission demonstrates holistic ministry’s value, addressing spiritual and physical needs while raising local leaders to sustain the church.
Missionary work not only brings salvation to the lost but also keeps the Holy Spirit moving within the church, sparking revival and growth. Churches that send missionaries align themselves with God’s purpose and experience His blessings in remarkable ways. As we reflect on these movements, may we be inspired to embrace missions, support missionaries, and commit to taking the gospel to the ends of the earth? Truly, as Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Let us rise to the challenge and play our part in fulfilling the Great Commission.